( Eph. 1:19 ; Gal. 5:24 ; 1 Cor. 9:24-27 ) The same strength and power that raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him in heaven is available to us believers today. We can develop and cultivate this spirit in our individual lives. The fruit of self-control will enable us to crucify the flesh. This seed requires cultivation in order for it to produce overcoming power by the Spirit, to crucify the affections and lust of the flesh that war against the soul.

( Exodus 20:4,5 ; Eph. 5:5 ; Matt. 4:10 ; Luke 21:34-35 ; Matt. 6:24 ) The most common way in which believers serve 'idols' is through their thoughts, emotions, and feelings, and the actions taken as a result of ungodly thoughts. Whatever you spend the most time on will likely enslave you, keep you in bondage, that is, pursuit of things other than God. As we change our focus and emphasis onto God and His purposes and not on my own needs, the Presence of God, and His strength proportionally, will increase in our lives.

( 1 John 2:15-17 ; Gal. 5:13 ; 2 Cor. 6:14-17 ; Titus 2:11-12 ) We are to separate our lives from all things that may enslave or control us in the world, the flesh and the devil. Friendship with the world is spiritual fornication. God desires us to be a holy people, and it is God's grace that teaches us that we should lead sober, righteous and godly lives. It is a question of choice. If we choose God's way, we will be recipients of His grace.

( Gal. 5:19-21 ; Eph. 5:22-24 ; Eph. 6:1 ; Rom. 13:1-3 ; 1 Cor. 10:10 ; Phil. 2:13-16 ) The fruit of self-control enables believers to submit to God, to ordained authorities in their lives, to husbands and/or wives, to governmental authorities, and to resist the temptation to murmur , complain and grumble.

( Gal. 5:15 ; James 3:6 ) Tongue is one member of the body that is capable of defiling the whole body. It is the worst enemy of the church because it destroys within.

( James 3:3-4 ; Prov. 21:23 ; Prov. 6:2 ; Rom. 10:10 ; Prov. 15:23 ; Prov. 4:23 ) We develop the fruit of temperance by learning to control the mouth. When we speak God's words, we deliver ourselves from every curse of the law. The amount of joy in a believer's heart may be measured by the confession of his mouth.

( Gal. 5:16-17 ; Rom. 7:14-25 ; Eph. 3:16 ; 2 Pet. 1:5-6 ) Whatever we feed on, flesh or spirit, determines our destiny. But as we yield to the Spirit of God within, we will develop the strength to exercise control over the flesh and bring it into submission to the reborn spirit.

( 1 Cor. 14:4 ; Ps. 8:2 ; Rom. 5:12 ; Heb. 4:16 ; James 4:6-8 ) We can be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man by speaking in tongues, by praising God, by receiving God's grace and by an act of faith and will. Thus, draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Grace is defined as "God's ability to do His will" in you - God in the soul of man. We need only to learn to experience the fullness of that grace in which we already abide. Thus, take courage and develop the fruit of self-control.